Lead Solar Technician

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

Job Opportunity:

At AES Clean Energy, we're accelerating the future of energy, together, while transforming customer experience and delivering unique customer products and solutions. Field Operations Lead Technicians support our expanding teams locally and help grow our portfolio of photovoltaic (PV) solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) facilities while connecting the region to the broader Field Operations network.

Energetic - Safety First - Self-starter - Innovative Thinker - Driven by Excellence - Team Player - Responsible & Accountable

If these characteristics describe you, join our team's exciting journey!

A day in the life of the Field Operations Lead Technician will include, but is not limited to:

Lead and support the team at solar+battery facilities at Waikoloa (Big Island) site and other sites currently under construction in performing preventative & corrective maintenance and supporting ongoing construction activities. Build and create a motivated TEAM of technicians with the Team Leader to safely and proactively troubleshoot and repair all equipment at the facility. The equipment to learn and maintain includes PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery energy storage system (BESS battery containers). Candidate must be able to bring a TEAM together and earn trust. Communicate effectively to solve complex issues with the site team, the Hawaii region team, and the AES Clean Energy engineers across North America. Effectively prioritize a long list of concerns and challenges and develop a plan of action for correction. Work daily to ensure that all equipment is operating to maximum efficiency to keep our customers grid stable for power to the local communities. Lead, coordinate and support third party technicians in their site location in performing preventive & corrective maintenance and supporting ongoing construction activities. Plan, coordinate, and manage the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services to facility owners and assist the Team leader in planning to meet site and regional maintenance obligations. Work closely with the Team Leader and technicians to remediate site issues and enhance the operating portfolio's performance. Goal: maximum equipment availability. Coordinate and manage contractors engaged to support maintenance activities and ensure AES Safety Procedures are followed. Safe and efficient operations are the name of the game at AES Clean Energy. Integrity, training, and qualification in our TEAM leads to best performance through ownership, level of knowledge, procedural compliance, a questioning attitude, and formal use of procedure are the pillars we strive for in daily success.

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of AC and DC electrical systems of varying types and voltages - especially experience working with PV solar systems and substations (MV/HV). This position will be based onsite at Waikoloa solar+battery site in Waikoloa, HI. Some remote work will be required in the support of the Hawaii region, and other sites that are under construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the solar PV+BESS facilities (Kuihelani Maui, and Kuihelani 2, under construction) as Lead Tech including advanced troubleshooting in accordance with applicable safety and environmental obligations - Responsible for the preventative and Corrective O&M activities assigned to the team. Equipment to learn and maintain includes PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery energy storage system (BESS battery containers).
• Stop unsafe work, report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards - review and submit applicable accident / incident report. Work with and support Regional Safety Manager.
• Provide performance and developmental leadership and feedback to the members of the site team (typically 6 technicians).
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of O&M activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services.
• Ensure standard maintenance for vehicles and equipment and assist in addressing repair needs, coordinate use of shared equipment.
• Support, or lead as necessary, warranty claims processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
• Schedule and implement site training and qualification efforts.
• Assist in third-party contractor and vendor identification and onboarding- develop work scopes and manage and schedule contractors as needed.
• Establish and maintain an annual on-call schedule and communicate that schedule as needed to internal and external parties; respond to "after-hours" emergency situations as necessary. Ensure the establishment of annual on-call schedule and communicate that schedule as needed to internal and external parties; respond to "after-hours" emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensure timely, complete, and high-quality documentation related to O&M activities, including but not limited to service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety-related documentation such as JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, and excavation permits, etc.).
• Assist in team adoption of computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Ensure accurate tracking of inventory levels-initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts as needed.
• Work with engineering to review investigation results and/or recommendations from OEMs and institute plant solutions/modifications, document through change management system.
• Collaborate with procurement team for accurate tracking of inventory levels - initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts as needed.
• As needed, participate in the construction/commissioning of the facilities within the region to ensure a high-quality build, successful commissioning, timely project punch list closeout, and smooth transition of responsibility to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Team.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental (EHSS) requirements, regional and federal regulations, and AES company policies.
• Stay abreast of applicable technical & safety standards and share with the team.

• Facilitate effective communication for all activities using phone, email, and other business software such as our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform and lead other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve goals. 3 years or more supervisory experience is a plus. You will be Lead Technician for a technical team working in the field at solar PV+ BESS sites. Technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualification a plus (appropriate electrical trade qualification); one (1) years of experience as a solar PV technician or 3 years' experience in a power plant preferred (Utility scale electrical systems). Combiner Box: 1500 Vdc; Inverter: 3 phase 850Vac; ACDC: 1216-1500 Vdc operating range; DCDC: 625-1475 Vdc SOC voltage range; BESS container (E4L): 1312 Vdc MAX operating range
• Knowledgeable in the systems, processes and protocols guiding the operations and maintenance of industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems (OSHA standards, NFPA 70e, Lockout/ Tagout/ Grounding, etc.). Operation of relays, pad mounted switchgear, PV modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery storage containers.
• Demonstrated ability to be part of the team and achieve goals.
• Appropriate Electrical trade qualification with at least 3 years working on utility scale electrical systems.
• Experience working with C&I or utility scale power plants required, PV systems a plus.
• Competence with relevant computer systems including but not limited to CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work remotely and utilize technology to stay connected to the local team, as well as colleagues at administrative offices in Hawaii and North America.
• Ability to lead a team and achieve goals with minimum direct supervision and high degree of self-motivation and reliance. Must be forward leaning in leadership approach to ensure success.
• High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment. Safety must be part of your DNA and be part of all that you do.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
• College degree in a related field a plus.
• Candidates considered will have to provide documentation for college degrees and certification. This will be performed by an outside company that works with AES Clean Energy.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment/facility schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures/manuals, process/procedure documents.
• Personal values consistent with those of the AES: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive, professional, and collaborative work ethic.
• Detail oriented, high-energy, adept at problem solving and time management in sometimes high stress situations, highly organized.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs. (OSHA) without assisted lift device or another employee.
• Must have eyesight corrected to 20/20, must have good hearing. Candidates cannot be color blind.
• Must be able to work in a power plant environment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as is needed to provide power to our valued customers and the communities in Hawaii. Must be flexible and able to work overtime daily, 2-3 hours.

Work Environment

• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Occasional non-standard work hours as required to maintain necessary plant readiness.
• Working outside in a normal solar power plant and/or office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment. Candidates must be physically fit.
• As necessary, travel regionally in a company provided service vehicle and use regional air travel to support company's solar and storage assets.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.